Mauser Zig-Zag
Mauser · Pistol · Discontinued · 1878
Also known as: Mauser C78, Mauser Model 1878, Mauser Construktion 1878, Mauser Zig-Zag Revolver
Overview
The Mauser Zig-Zag is a single-action revolver designed by Paul Mauser as his first handgun, produced under the factory designation Construktion 1878 (C78). It takes its name from the distinctive zig-zag grooves machined into the surface of its six-round cylinder, which engage a stud to rotate and lock the cylinder as the hammer is cocked. Developed to compete in the 1879 German military trials, it was offered in 7.6mm, 9mm and 10.6mm chamberings. Although it performed well in testing, its mechanical complexity led the trials to instead adopt the simpler Reichsrevolver M1879. Roughly 3,000 or fewer were built, and a later solid-frame version was revised around 1886 with a hinged frame and a Webley-style self-extracting mechanism to speed reloading.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1100 g (38.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 285 mm (11.22") |
| Barrel Length | 142 mm (5.59") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 200 m/s (656 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 340 J (251 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 10.6mm German Ordnance · primary — also known as 10.6x25mmR, 10.6mm Deutsche Ordonnanz, 11mm German Service
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Features: Zig Zag Grooved Cylinder, Ribbed Top Strap, Six Round Cylinder
Service history
Operators
- German Empire (military trials) · adopted 1879
Production
Estimated total produced: 3,000 · Production years: 1878-1886
Approximately 3,000 or fewer produced across three calibers (7.6mm, 9mm, 10.6mm); 9mm most common
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Paul Mauser
Discontinued: 1886
Notes
Two principal forms exist: an earlier solid-frame model requiring cylinder removal to reload, and a later hinged-frame version (c.1886) with a modified Webley-pattern simultaneous extractor. The 9mm chambering is the most commonly encountered; 10.6mm examples are rare.
Background
The Zig-Zag was Paul Mauser's debut handgun, conceived to give the newly unified German Empire its first centerfire-cartridge service revolver. Its clever cylinder-rotation system impressed the trials board but proved too intricate and costly for mass military issue, and the contract went to the plain, robust Reichsrevolver instead.